MASON CITY, IA - Duane Wubbema sells tractors and farm equipment in the town of Dumont. Last week his lot was under water.He's got a lot of work to do trying to run his business and clean up the water damage both inside his office and out.
"Putting back into place as well as trying to take care of our customers. So it's been a busy time."
The bearings on the tires have to be checked and re-greased. All the machines will need inspection to make sure they are working properly. The best they can do is just keep track of the tab for insurance.
"It's kind of hard to put an estimate on what the cost is going to be but it's better than a tornado and a fire because you can clean up."
For Duane, these repairs are cheaper than buying new equipment. But for those whose insurance doesn't cover the cost of some severe damage Emergency Management Coordinator Mitch Nordmeyer says the state is stepping in to help.
"Late yesterday afternoon we were declared one of the counties in a disaster area. They'll make a determination as to how much damage there was versus how much insurance the people have and then they'll foreword those figures to the see if we can get federally declared."
This disaster may have been a surprise for most in Dumont.
"They said last time in 2008 it was the flood of 500 years. So, we were told it'd be another 500 years, but it was two."
But the people seem to be taking it in stride
"In the city of Dumont there's been a lot of progress made. They can go ahead and start getting their homes cleaned up.
